"Forget myself for a second, because what was said about me is a personal opinion and everyone is entitled to that. What really upsets me is the fact only females in our industry are judged by their gender. And that is categorically wrong.

"I'm genuinely disappointed. It never would have occurred to me that they had those views, whether public or private," added Brady on BBC Radio Five Live. "It almost makes it worse that they're speaking when the microphones are not on as opposed to when they are on, because [they have] never really had the brass neck to say it publicly, they would only say it privately. I have heard it and I don't believe it is just banter."

The top snooker referee Michaela Tabb has accused the pair of "basic slander". Tabb, who has refereed the world championship final at the Crucible, said: "What they have done there is completely unacceptable because they have not given her her place at all as an official. They are basically doubting her ability. She has obviously passed every exam and whatever qualifications she's had to go through."

Asked about the comments made relating to Brady, Tabb said: "It's hardly worth commenting on. These guys are obviously extremely sexist, that's been proved, and I hope they get what is coming to them in that respect, really."

The Everton striker Natasha Dowie said: "It's disappointing. I watched the game and thought it was a terrific call. It was onside so, if anything, they should be praising her rather than making comments like that."

Keys and Gray commented on Massey's appointment for the game between Wolves and Liverpool on Saturday, when they believed their microphones were switched off. They concurred that female officials "don't know the offside rule", with Keys adding: "I can guarantee you there'll be a big one today. [Liverpool manager] Kenny [Dalglish] will go potty." Massey crucially made a correct borderline call in the build-up to Liverpool's first goal at Molineux.

Keys also went on to remark on comments made by Brady in the Sun on Saturday morning about the level of sexism in football by saying: "See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Yeah. Do me a favour, love."